Lance Stroll Dismisses F1 Exit Rumors as 'Fake News'

Lance Stroll has emphatically shut down recent rumors suggesting he considered leaving Formula 1 in 2023, labeling them simply as “Fake news.” The Aston Martin driver's terse two-word response came during the FIA press conference in Sao Paulo, directly refuting claims made by his team's reserve driver, Felipe Drugovich.

Why it matters:

• The speculation surrounding Stroll's future has been a recurring theme, often fueled by his inconsistent performance relative to his highly regarded teammate Fernando Alonso.
• As the son of Aston Martin owner Lawrence Stroll, his position in the team is often scrutinized, making any rumors of his departure highly impactful for the team's stability and driver market.
• Drugovich's claims suggest a deeper, albeit now dismissed, internal discussion about the team's driver lineup, which could have significant implications for the careers of both Stroll and Drugovich.

The Details:

• Felipe Drugovich, Aston Martin's reserve driver and the 2021 F2 champion, recently stated on the Na Ponta dos Dedos podcast that Stroll had been considering stepping away from the sport two seasons ago, implying he himself was close to securing a 2024 F1 seat.
• Drugovich claimed there were “talks of me taking over in 2024, even with the team boss,” and that “it was really very close to Lance himself, maybe not continuing in 2024.”
• When directly questioned about these claims at the Sao Paulo press conference, Stroll offered a categorical "Fake news," declining to provide further details.
• This isn't the first time Stroll has faced and dismissed such rumors; similar speculation arose during the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, which he also denied, stating, “I had no plans on doing that. Not sure where that came from.”

What's next:

Stroll currently holds a rolling contract with Aston Martin, which is expected to see him continue with the team through the 2024 and 2025 seasons, and potentially into the new regulatory era of 2026. While rumors will likely persist as long as his performance fluctuates, his direct denial aims to put an end to the speculation for now. The focus for Stroll and Aston Martin will undoubtedly shift back to on-track performance and the ongoing development of their car.